#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1889-04-23

Hello lovelies, it's Emma from Pink-Tutu.com! Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday post, where we delve into the wonderful history of our favourite dance garment! Today, we’re stepping back in time to the 23rd of April, 1889, to explore a pivotal moment in tutu history...

Well, I just adore travelling through time. This week, my fancy-schmancy time-travel contraption deposited me in London! Now, 1889 was a truly splendid year for ballet – can you imagine! London was buzzing with elegant ladies in the latest fashions and, of course, plenty of delightful ballet performances!

To keep my travel budget afloat, I found myself gracefully performing in a couple of charming ballet shows in the West End. You wouldn’t believe the amazing gowns and jewels the ladies wore in those days. Just what a ballerina dreams of. So, while my pocket was filled with enough sovereigns for my next trip, I did sneak away for a day of high-fashion shopping and - well - more ballet! The Royal Opera House - such elegance.

And guess what? During my trip to a fancy store in Kensington, a little secret emerged! Whilst perusing the most darling satin fabrics, I found a little embroidered bookmarker. Turns out, it's from the premiere of a beautiful new ballet by Monsieur Marius Petipa at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He named it The Sleeping Beauty! Can you imagine! Now, whilst the ballerinas’ tutus in those days were primarily white and white only - for the elegance - you see… there was this, just tiny bit of speculation that the little princess ballerina was wearing, just a tiny… smidgen of the most delicate, blush pink on the side of her skirt! It was all in this fancy bookmarker!

The pink fabric must have been new and terribly expensive! Imagine the audacity! But that’s ballet - all about daring, beautiful design and new ways to bring the dancing to life, don’t you think? I imagine it made such a beautiful contrast to the brilliant white of her tutu! Maybe pink will take over the ballet stage one day, eh?

Now, my fellow tutuwearers, I do love a bit of fancy fashion! But back to our history... Did you know that by 1889, ballet tutus had really developed their elegant, almost ethereal appearance? You wouldn’t see those poofy skirts anymore - it’s all about showcasing the dancer’s elegant movement, isn't it? This means sleek, floaty skirts that could practically be made from gossamer clouds. I find it delightful!

Anyway, I just thought that a little history of tutu evolution would make a great little treat for your Tuesday! You see - everything comes round in fashion don’t you think. I just think it’s fascinating, seeing how even ballet has changed so much through the ages! I’m even making a little scrapbook with all these facts - and photos I’ve collected!

Until next time, keep those tutus twirling, and don’t be afraid to bring a little pink into your dance moves.

Love,

Emma x

Of course, for a glamorous lady on a grand time-traveling ballet adventure, it’s all about the outfit! So, this week - let’s see - it’s pink, of course - for me! This time, my chosen time-traveling tutu is a delicious shade of baby pink. This time, I thought of some 1889 fashion influences with the bodice: all billowing layers and silk ruffles! So, imagine a billowing bodice with some lovely lace to hold all the layers in place - oh, it’s so chic! I like a big ribbon tied into a little bow, just by the front! You see? A ballet-chic mix of modern-day pink tutu flair - and just a touch of late 19th century style!

For all my travelling and ballet practice, I’m pairing the tutu with my new trusty pair of sparkly pink ballet shoes - just a hint of diamante on the top, as well! And let’s not forget - it's simply not a time-travel ballet expedition unless I have the proper accessories. I can't go anywhere without my favourite pink travel journal - filled with sketches of tutus, ballet shoes, and snippets of interesting information about this glorious fashion history!

Do let me know if you love this look as much as I do. Tell me in the comments what you'd wear for a tutu adventure!

Until next time!